Baby boy gets a hand arriving Police, first aid recognized for assist in delivery BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN - Timothy Van Orden Jr., unlike most newborn babies, couldn't wait to be born. Hewas in such a rush that hewas born in a vehicle on the side of Newman Springs Road, thanks to police and first aid personnel fromMiddletown. Middletown police and first aiders were recognized byDeputyMayor PamelaBrightbill at the December Township Committee meeting for their efforts to successfully deliver Timothy. "There are so many great volunteers in this area, and here is an example," Brightbill said. "Having had two childrenmyself, I couldn't imagine having a child in the car or even delivering one." On Dec. 12, at about 1 p.m., dispatcher John Gilgannon answered the 911 phone line, but the caller hung up. This happened a second time, and the dispatcher then called the phone number of the party who had called. Gilgannon learned that awoman in a car on the Garden State Parkway was about to give birth. He spoke with the caller and directed themto pull over; however, the driver exited at interchange 109. As this was taking place, police officers and emergency medical service personnel were dispatched. Gilgannon was able to determine the caller's exact location, and Cpls. John Hueston and Craig Slocum and Police Officers Anthony Bagileo and Richard Raike responded toNewman SpringsRoad nearHalf Mile Road, where they located the vehicle. There they found that childbirthwas imminent andmade preparations to deliver the baby. Emergency medical technician Tanya Gioia from the Port Monmouth First Aid Squad arrived on the scene and delivered the baby. "I'm sure you guys from the police were glad that the first aid showed up to helpwith the situation," Brightbill said to the officers who laughed and nodded in agreement. "They did a great job getting everything ready for the first aid." After a successful delivery, mother and childwere transported toRiverviewMedical Center, Red Bank. Committeeman Thomas Wilkens had met Gioia once before in the delivery of his own child and said that when he heard that she was the person on hand, he knew she would do a great job. She was assisted by PortMonmouth first aider Jen Cartwright, John Cordell of LincroftFirstAid, andFairviewfirst aidersFloyd Goldstein, PaulAguilar and Bob Ernsdorff Parents Timothy and Mary Beth Van Orden attended themeeting to thank all the emergency responders for their help. Mary Beth gave Gioia a flower bouquet and a gift. "Thank you somuch,"Gioia said after receiving the gift. "For a woman who just gave birth a few days ago, you look great."